Gerald Arthur Sewell departed this world, after a brief illness, but a lengthy battle, to rest in peace amongst us. Born to Gerald (deceased) and Diane (Hafey) Sewell, he came into this world in a snow squall on Nov. 8, 1965, and he departed on a beautiful sunny day...birds were chirping and a lonely hawk was watching as I left the hospital Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen, the date April 9, 2022.
Jerry, as we called him, or Jed, Jedi, Jer Bear, and daddy, was born in New Glasgow, raised in Trenton, NS. He went to community college and became a welder. He worked at Trenton Works for many years until 1995, then he took his welding inspection and travelled/lived in Alberta the rest of his career.
Growing up he was very active in many sports, including hockey, rugby, and baseball. He taught T ball, and worked for the Boy Scouts Canada in the summers. He was a volunteer firefighter in Trenton for many years.
He loved to cook, yes lobster! Enjoyed his music on the decks. He hunted and fished, but loved most his "cool" summer nights listening to the crickets while outside camping; he travelled and camped all over Canada with his family.
Jerry will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Ardis (Smith), daughter, Katelyn at home, Stellarton, NS; his mother, Diane Sewell, New Glasgow; sister, Tracey (Robert) Gerrior, New Glasgow; father and mother-in-law: Dwayne and Delilah Smith, Port Howe, NS; sister-in-law, Deidre (Robert) Devine, Amherst Head; brothers-in-law: Dwayne Smith, Oxford; Anthony (Angela) Smith, Kemptown; nephews: Tyler, Ryan (Lacy), Garrett, Zander, Cooper and Devon; nieces: Brea and Giselle; and great nephew, Oliver; great nieces: Addison and Sadie; he lit up every time he would see all of them!
I cannot exclude special cousin, like-a-brother, "Brad", who helped Jerry immensely to get him home one last time to see his family...and eat some Pictou County pizza! Many aunts, uncles and cousins extended family are left to praise Jerry for the happy-go-lucky, quick witted (like his grandad Ernie), hardworking, caring man that he was.
I cannot exclude his extended "work" family in Alberta, as Jerry was a very recognized inspector in his field, he was well loved and respected for his knowledge, know-how and over-the-top work ethic; to name a few: TJ Lubbers, Sunil, Matt and Lindsey and many more, he spoke of his colleagues very fondly and loved you all.
As Jerry was a simple man, his wishes (which he preached about often!) was for cremation and no funeral but a big party near the ocean or campsite! So, there will be a family get together at a later date.
Myself and Jerry’s family would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts the Palliative team at the Aberdeen Hospital. We couldn’t have done this without you. Also, I would like to thank the Alberta team, his family doctor, Dr Chris Lee, his specialist, Dr Stephen Ip; Grey Nuns hospital team, they did the utmost best they could do. The decision to return home was quick, his time here was quick, but his wishes for end of life came true for him, so the "Big Guy" can now rest in peace.
In memory of Jerry, donations may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society or Mental Health /Addictions Program at the Aberdeen Hospital New Glasgow.
"There is no expiration date on the love between a father and his child.
Night baby girl...until I see you again..Love Daddy."
We love you Jerry
